We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly. We support the following browsers:
Windows:Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox,
Google Chrome.
Mac:Safari.

Not ready to book?

No rush. We've saved this trip in your cart
so you can come back any time, compare prices, and complete your booking.

The Grand Canyon: Kaibab to Bright Angel Trail

Experience the Grand Canyon like few others with this unforgettable 2-3 day trip down into the canyon.

Rating: 4 out of 5 by EveryTrail members

Difficulty: Strenuous

Length: 16 miles

Duration: Multiple days

Overview :
If you are looking for the perfect hike in the Grand Canyon, this is it. The 2 (or 3) day hike will take you down into the canyon to ... more »where few visitors have the privilege of going. Although the Bright Angel trail is not as steep and has more shade cover and water, the views from the South Kaibab trail are unbeatable. It is best to start from the South Kaibab, hike down to the Bright Angel campground, and back up the Bright Angel trail. This way you get a change of scenery and can hike up where there is more available water.

If you have a few more days to spare, you can spend another night at the Bright Angel campground (there are some good day hikes from there), or spend a night at Indian Garden on the way back up to the Rim. However long you stay, it will be an experience to remember for a long time, as there is no better way to see the Grand Canyon that by staring up at it from the river below. less «

Tips:
Bring LOTS of water, the air is very dry and you may not see visible sweat but you will be losing water very quickly.
It is hotter... more » at the bottom of the canyon, make sure you stay in the shade and drink plenty of water (and go in the water to cool off).
Do NOT attempt to hike this whole trail in one day, it is too hot during the summer and there is not enough water.
Make sure you get an early start to avoid the hottest times of the day (and the early morning light makes the rocks walls look spectacular!) less «

Points of Interest

1. South Kaibab Trailhead

Start your journey by taking one of the free NPS shuttles to the trailhead (you can't park overnight). In the Summer, you should start very early (4-5) to ensure that you make it to the Bright Angel campground by the time the midday heat starts to take its toll (11am-3pm). DO NOT attempt this as a 1-day hike in the Summer months. While there... More are stops for water, you will not be able to carry enough between stops, and because of the dry heat, you will not realize how much you are sweating and will easily become dehydrated.

It is about 6.5 miles down to the Colorado river, with consistent amazing views the entire way down. As there is little shade, it is better to hike down the South Kaibab trail, and up the Bright Angel trail, where there is more shade and more water stops as well. There is a bathroom about half way down, but no stations to fill up water, so you must carry all of your water for the 4,820 feet down to hold you over until you ready Bright Angel campground.Less

2. Ohh Ahh Point

Appropriately named, this point will make you audibly mutter "oohs" and "ahhs", especially if you are around here for sunrise, when the red rock is almost surreal. It is about 1 mile from the top, and a popular turnaround for those looking for just a taste of the canyon. Below you will see the next couple of miles of the... More trail and even a resting spot at Cedar Ridge below.Less

3. Cedar Ridge

1.5 Miles, and 940 vertical feet from the start you can take a break to use the provided restrooms or just to let your knees rest (it's fairly steep up to this point). Being on a ridge definitely has its perks: you will have great views on both sides of the ridge, and can see the next mile or so of the trail's switchbacks winding back and forth... More among the bright red rock. It's quite a sight. After another 2.5 miles you will hike around O'Neill Butte, followed by some very steep switchbacks for another mile or so towards Tonto Plateau.

Note: This is a great turn around point for a half-day hike.Less

4. Skeleton Point

After 3 miles from the start of the hike you will arrive at Skeleton Point. Don't let the name turn you away just yet, as this is this the first place along the train where you will be able to see the Colorado River below. The switchbacks get a bit steeper after this point, so make sure you are rested before moving further. Note: DO NOT go past... More this point if you are looking for a day hike.Less

5. Kaibab Suspension Bridge

With about a mile left to go you will have some spectacular views of the Colorado river winding through the canyon below. After walking through a tunnel through the rock you will walk across the river on a suspension bridge, and you're almost there. A few moments later you should arrive at Bright Angel campground where you can rest and fill up... More water.Less

6. Bright Angel Campground

If you are backpacking down (which you should be in the Summer months, because it would be too hot to attempt a hike back up at this point), you will likely stay here. You are free to pick any available spot (try the ones on the river bank for quick access). There are boxes for food to keep the animals out, a picnic table, and often somewhere to... More hang your packs or jackets to keep out unwanted animals. You are probably a bit tired by now, so take off your shoes and jump in the Bright Angel creek to relax. Small fish have been known to swim around biting at your dead skin (don't worry, it only tickles). Some places you need to pay big bucks for this kind of spa treatment.

There is a beach just beyond the campground, at the Colorado River. Either way, stay cool until after sunset, and turn in early! You will want to get an early start the next morning. The campground has tap water and bathrooms with sinks, so you will be able to wash your face.Less

7. Phantom Ranch

Another alternative to Bright Angel Campground is Phantom Ranch, where you can stay in individual cabins. It is likely that you will run into a group arriving on Mule back (make sure to impress them with your stories of hiking down), and there are often Ranger led talks about the nearby area. You can sign up for dinner at the restaurant if you... More didn't bring anything of your own. If you are staying for a couple of days, there are some great day hikes in the nearby area (and it may get a little boring down at the bottom of the creek). If you are only there for the night, make sure to leave early the next day to avoid the heat, as the hike is about 5000 feet up and exposed to direct sun for a few stretches. It is 9.6 miles all the way up to the top, or 4.7 if you are planning to spend the night at Indian Garden.Less

8. Indian Garden

4.7 miles from Bright Angel, and 4.9 miles from the Rim, this campground is a great place to stop if you want to extend your trek into 3 days. You can also hike our to Plateau point (it's fairly flat) for some more views and another perspective of the canyon. For those hiking through, there are restrooms and water (the next rest house is 1.9... More miles further, and up several switchbacks).Less

9. Plateau Point (detour)

From Indian Garden, you can take an optional detour to Plateau point. It's a fairly level hike and will give you yet another perspective of the amazing canyon. It may be a bit much if you are hiking from Bright Angel to the Rim, but a nice add-on if you are staying at Indian Garden for the night.

10. Three Mile Resthouse

Appropriately named, this rest house is 3 miles from the Rim and has restrooms as well as stations to refill your water. It is pretty steep the rest of the way up, so make sure you have enough water, but don't weigh yourself down too much, as there will be another stop in just 1.5 miles.

11. Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse

Conveniently located 1.5 miles from the Rim, you can fill up on water, use the restrooms, or just sit down as you save up enough energy for the final push up to the top. But don't forget to take a second to take in the view, its amazing as always.

Back at the top you can take a final picture overlooking the canyons and join the group of people who have hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Reward yourself with some refreshments at the top before taking the shuttle back to your next destination (which may likely be a cold shower and a long nap).

* TripAdvisor LLC is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... (more)

We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly. We support the following browsers:
Windows:Internet Explorer,
Mozilla Firefox,
Google Chrome.
Mac:Safari.

TripAdvisor LLC is not responsible for content on external web sites. Taxes, fees not included for deals content.